The problem of distracted driving is epidemic. West Bridgewater has the first police department to start promoting a new device to break the dangerous habit.

The "Cellcontrol" plugs in under the steering wheel and is programmed to your cellphone or the phone of a teen driver. It prevents all texts from coming or going and sends out an automated message that you are driving.

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"Parents can program what numbers along with 911 that are acceptable," said Lt. Victor Flaherty of West Bridgewater Police.

It took an army of officers and nearly four hours on March 2 for undercover police to stop 75 cars on Route 106 and issue 44 tickets to drivers caught texting while driving.

"We can't do that all the time," said Flaherty.

He said the Cellcontrol device will prevent the distracted driving, and he hopes it helps change habits.

Anyone who received a ticket in the latest West Bridgewater sting will have the $100 fine forgiven if they attend a safety meeting at the high school.